3 ms·

I love through-zero frequency modulation (TZFM). If your oscillator can do TZFM you can bring it’s frequency down to zero, where it stops oscillating and then

I love through-zero frequency modulation (TZFM). If your oscillator can do TZFM you can bring it’s frequency down to zero, where it stops oscillating and then to “negative frequency” where it starts oscillating again, but with a reversed waveform. This has two main usages: first you can do normal FM sounds with very deep modulation without getting strange pitch shifts because the frequency is capped before zero. Second, you can set the oscillator to start at zero and then modulate symmetrically around zero. The sound you get is quite unique — ranging from woody sounds to growling lead sounds. The fundamental pitch is decided by the modulator (as opposed to the carrier in usual FM). Symmetric TZFM takes the modulator signal and integrates it, then adds harmonic content by folding according to the waveshape of the modulator. This works best if the two oscillators are kept in soft or hard sync. My favourite patch is to use a harmonic oscillator as modulator for a TZFM carrier. Modulating the distribution of sines in the modulator and the frequency of the carries gives such a unique set of timbre controls.

IanHalbwachs 3y ago
I'm intrigued. Anywhere I can hear some examples of this, or know of any (free) ways I can generate some with software?
- gylterud 3y ago
  Instruo Neoni is one oscillator which can do it. I think one can get on VCV rack (which I think is free). The Neoni is demonstrated here: https://youtu.be/kkAagua3NN4 https://youtu.be/kkAagua3NN4 (Symmetric TZFM starts around the 57 minute mark). Here is a track I made using TZFM (I am no muscician, just experimenting): https://hakon.gylterud.net/snd/foot-stomp.flac https://hakon.gylterud.net/snd/foot-stomp.flac The only sound sources are a TZFM oscillator and a kick drum.
HPsquared 3y ago
I guess it's like time running backwards. Or the speed. FM is basically turning the speed up and down, no reason it can't go backwards too! Edit: or a DJ doing a record scratch
- gylterud 3y ago
  Yes, this is precisely the intuition I have. The oscillator is running through a waveform with a speed corresponding to its frequency. Frequency modulation speeds it up or slows it down. At negative frequency it goes backwards. With symmetric TZFM it spends as much time going backwards as going forwards, and does so in audio rate giving a folding of the modulation signal.

IanHalbwachs 3y ago

I'm intrigued. Anywhere I can hear some examples of this, or know of any (free) ways I can generate some with software?

gylterud 3y ago
Instruo Neoni is one oscillator which can do it. I think one can get on VCV rack (which I think is free). The Neoni is demonstrated here: https://youtu.be/kkAagua3NN4 https://youtu.be/kkAagua3NN4 (Symmetric TZFM starts around the 57 minute mark). Here is a track I made using TZFM (I am no muscician, just experimenting): https://hakon.gylterud.net/snd/foot-stomp.flac https://hakon.gylterud.net/snd/foot-stomp.flac The only sound sources are a TZFM oscillator and a kick drum.

HPsquared 3y ago

I guess it's like time running backwards. Or the speed. FM is basically turning the speed up and down, no reason it can't go backwards too! Edit: or a DJ doing a record scratch

gylterud 3y ago
Yes, this is precisely the intuition I have. The oscillator is running through a waveform with a speed corresponding to its frequency. Frequency modulation speeds it up or slows it down. At negative frequency it goes backwards. With symmetric TZFM it spends as much time going backwards as going forwards, and does so in audio rate giving a folding of the modulation signal.